The Italian revealed he could not get angry with his team following their 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace because they were simply too poor, but away from the dressing room he was forthright with his views on their commitment to the Sunderland cause.

The Black Cats have taken just one point from their opening three Premier League games and only briefly looked capable of leaving Selhurst Park with a positive result.

Danny Gabbidon's deflection gave Palace an early lead before Steven Fletcher came off the bench to equalise on his first appearance for five months.

But the hosts hit back through a Dwight Gayle penalty, with Sunderland skipper John O'Shea sent off for bringing down Jason Puncheon, and a superb injury-time goal from Stuart O'Keefe.

"We have to work hard in terms of our attention, desire, dedication and commitment for this cause otherwise it will be really, really, really tough.

"We have to make sure everyone works hard for this cause otherwise it will be really difficult."

Getting the first win is the obvious target, but Di Canio says that will be achieved "only if everybody is going to play like it's the last game of their life, otherwise it's going to be very tough".

He added in a BBC Sport interview: "If we think we are very good footballers, that can be fake self-belief. If we think that probably we are less better than the others, it means we have to give much more on the field and maybe sometimes kick the ball far and play with a less lazy attitude.

He described Palace's strikes as "three poor and pathetic goals", and was clearly upset with captain O'Shea.

"Our leader didn't react in the way he should. That is terrible because it was a crucial game for us," said Di Canio.

"The penalty didn't come from a dangerous situation. It's absolutely poor and not acceptable.

"It was difficult to see this goal at this level. John O'Shea did something really wrong but he is an experienced footballer."

Di Canio added: "(I'm disappointed) with John O'Shea, but with a few players and there is not the right desire. That was a very important game for us. I cannot change the heart of my players.

"We were on top for most of the game but three very pathetic goals that we conceded did not give us the chance to fight back.

"We can work and hope they're going to play much less national team games because otherwise I'm going to work before the international break with players still talking today about 'Which flight can I get?', 'When can I come back?'.

"They don't focus their attention to the game which is more important.

"We have to work hard for this club and for the fans who every Saturday travel and spend a fortune to follow us."

Speaking in his press conference, Di Canio said: "Today it was difficult to be angry. Normally I can tell you I'm very angry, but today it was difficult - it was too poor that it was really difficult to say something."

Palace manager Ian Holloway said he was pleased rather than relieved the Eagles had picked up their first league points of the season.

There had been suggestions he was close to losing his job after defeats against Tottenham and Stoke but he was delighted to see his side pick up what could prove to be a vital win.

"That is not the word I would like to use," he said when asked if he was relieved to break Palace's points duck.

"All you can do is work on your performances. They scored and we didn't wobble - we had a little spell when they put Fletcher on but that was a commanding performance. I was so pleased, it is not relieved.

"I was very, very pleased with the determination, the work rate and the performance, some of that passing was nice to watch."

Holloway has been open in his quest to add more players to his squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday evening and he confirmed at least two are now set to move to Selhurst Park: Huddersfield's Jack Hunt and Reading's Jimmy Kebe.

He said: "We are trying to sign another four, maybe even five, but I can't tell you an update on it."

Palace confirmed the capture of 29-year-old winger Kebe from Reading on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.